Austria Implements Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination for Those Aged 18 and Over... Maximum Fine of 4.86 Million KRW

[Photo by AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] Austria announced on the 5th (local time) that it will mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for individuals aged 18 and over, according to AFP and other news agencies.

The vaccine mandate law passed the parliament on the 20th of last month, was signed by President Alexander Van der Bellen on the 4th of this month, and came into effect on the same day. Under the law, adults who are not vaccinated will face fines of up to 3,600 euros (approximately 4.86 million KRW). Previously, unvaccinated individuals were barred from restaurants, stadiums, and cultural facilities, but with the mandate, they will now also have to pay fines. After a grace period, fines ranging from 600 to 3,600 euros will be imposed starting March 15, but if the person gets vaccinated within two weeks of being fined, the fine will be waived. Pregnant women and others are exempt from the mandatory vaccination.

Contrary to the recent trend in many European countries such as the Netherlands, Norway, and Denmark easing COVID-19 restrictions, Austria is the first in Europe to mandate vaccinations. Because this move goes against the recent trends in other countries, the law’s passage faced significant difficulties.

Public opinion is divided evenly over the vaccine mandate. According to recent surveys, about 60% support it, but opposition voices remain strong.

When the vaccine mandate proposal first emerged in November last year, tens of thousands took to the streets to protest, calling it an extreme measure. The far-right opposition party, the Freedom Party, opposed the law, calling it unconstitutional. Health authorities argued that mandatory vaccination is essential to prepare for the next variant or pandemic wave.

Austria’s tough stance is due to the slow increase in vaccination rates. Out of a total population of 9.06 million, it is estimated that about 1.5 million remain unvaccinated. As of the 3rd, the vaccination rate is about 69%, one of the lowest in Western Europe.

Austria has recorded over 2 million cumulative COVID-19 cases, with daily new cases recently reaching 30,000.

In Germany, intense debates continue over vaccine mandates, while countries like Italy and Greece have mandated vaccines only for the elderly.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.